PORTLAND — Police are seeking the public’s help as they investigate two alleged home intrusions and assaults in the Deering Highlands area.

Lt. Robert Martin said the first incident, reported Dec. 1, occurred Nov. 15, when a woman was assaulted after a man forced his way into her apartment on Woodford Street around 6 p.m.

Martin said the woman told police the suspect looked like someone she had encountered earlier on Hartley Street.

On Tuesday, a man reported he fought an intruder around 5:30 p.m. on Highland Street after he saw him trying to break into his home through a window. Martin said the suspect was last seen fleeing on foot along Brighton Avenue toward downtown.

“Because of the proximity between these two crimes, and the similarities in the suspect descriptions, we are asking residents in these neighborhoods to be extra cautious,” Martin said.

The suspect was described as a white male between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall, with a pale or “pasty” complexion and dark facial hair that may be patchy. His build is described as slim, and his age around 30.

In the Nov. 15 incident, the suspect was wearing jeans, a gray or blue puffy jacket and a blue New England Patriots knit cap. On Tuesday, the suspect was wearing glasses and dark clothing, including a hoodie, Martin said.

Martin also reminded women that police offer free Rape Aggression Defense courses. For more information, call 874-8643 or email pdrad@PortlandMaine.gov.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call 874-8575. Anonymous tips can also be made at portland-police.com by clicking “Submit an Anonymous Crime Tip,” or by text at 274637 using the keyword GOTCHA.

David Harry can be reached at 780-9092 or dharry@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidHarry8.

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